Depression

Depression is an emotional or behavior disorder that refers to a general pervasive mood of unhappiness ot depression, an inability to learn that cannot be explained intellectually or by sensory of health factors, and a tendency to develop fears associated with personal problems. It focuses on internalizing behavior, and it involves mental or emotional problems such as anxiety. Its types include social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, anorexia/bulimia, and comorbidity (two or more conditions). 6%-10% of children have serious and persistent emotional/behavioral problems, and less than 1% of them are identified as having emotional disturbance for special education purposes. The causes can be biological factors (a relation between body-behavior and the factor), family factors (parenting practices), school factors (experiences in the classroom), or cultural factors (cultural conditions, demands, prohibitions, or models). Teachers and parents play an important role when it comes to identifying depression, and students with depression usually are below average in tests and academic achievement. Students show internalizing (immature, withdrawn, depressed) behavior or a combination of the two. Children either exceed the normal required hours of sleep or experience sleep disturbances. Low self-esteem, guilt, sensitivity to rejection or failure, eating disorders, lack of motivation, easy irritation, anger issues, poor concentration, frequent school absences, poor performances in school, and stomach aches or headaches are signs of depression. Strengths include the potential to be very smart, and they tend to be good in science, math, and language. Classroom accomodations can include creating a good atmosphere, group projects, or having a place in the classroom where students can write their feelings. Teaching strategies include private chats with students, listening carefully, being supportive, discussing plans for action, offering accommodations, and giving the student opportunities to engage in social interactions.